Monthly Photo Assignment

[Gdad]

I'm not necessarily talking about anyone here because I have seen this discussion hashed and rehashed over the weekly photo contest. But I get the feeling that some people think that if you are proficient at Photoshop you can take Amy’s yellow tulip and make it into a red sports car for a contest. Sorry but most of the heavily altered images I see posted on this and other sites look pretty bad anyway.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my daughter- taken in line at Arial’s Grotto. My wife’s hand ended up in the frame because she didn’t notice I was about to take the picture.

Is it really that big a deal to take it out?

Here’s the one I have framed in my house. I don’t really feel the need to put a disclaimer on it stating it is a digitally altered image.

Maybe we should just have two separate threads.

 

[DVC Jen]

Here’s the one I have framed in my house. I don’t really feel the need to put a disclaimer on it stating it is a digitally altered image.

I don't think taking the hand out was a big deal at all either. Nor do I think the very subtle changes you made are a big deal.

When I made the suggestion that someone let us know if they did photoshop an image it was more with the hopes that they would explain what they did and why - and perhaps how - so that those of us who do like to make the subtle changes you did in that photograph can learn from you and other more experienced photographers - and photoshoppers like you.

 

[deletedpenguin]

See, a situation like that, making a good picture better by removing distracting objects, seems ok by me, but I know photoshop, I know how to do that, and I believe I can do it well. I think people that don't have those resources will argue that will be unfair.

 

[ktulu]

Seems like this is getting over thought out. Keep it simple! We already have a contest on the board, I don't think we need another one. The assignment gets posted, we all go shoot, process and then post up the results. If you photoshop, share the techniques you used, same with the photos you take. I'd like to see everyone who reads the photoboard get involved, from the p&s users to the dslr users. Just my .02

 

[DVC Jen]

See, a situation like that, making a good picture better by removing distracting objects, seems ok by me, but I know photoshop, I know how to do that, and I believe I can do it well. I think people that don't have those resources will argue that will be unfair.

I agree that it would be unfair if this was looked at as a contest instead a chance to simply grow as a photographer - and have fun doing so.

If we take your example then does that mean that those of us who shoot in raw, and slightly sharpen an image or change the white balance while processing to a tiff or jpg file are also being unfair?

Perhaps it is just me - but I am not sure this will work at all if we nitpick a set of "rules and regulations" to death and worry about everyone being on an equal playing field.

The truth of the matter is that we aren't all on an equal playing field. We are all at different skill levels- have different camera qualities and have different camera accessories (lens, filters, tripods) to use.

If I use a polorizing filter to take glare off of water or make the sky bluer - is that cheating? Is that not fair to someone who is has also posted a photo but has a point and shoot and not a dSRL?

I say lets just do this - tell each other what type of camera we are using, what lenses, accessories, techniques we have used - not to one up anyone, but simply as a tool to help each of us grow PERSONALLY.

There is no way my lil canon rebel XTI with my cheap Wolf camera brand 70-300mm lens could compete with someone who has a professional level canon with an L series lens. Fair? I don't care - I just wanna know what they did so maybe I can also do it - someday.

If life were "fair" I would have a bigger house, a fancier car and not be able to go to Disney every year.

 

[fitzperry]

Sorry but most of the heavily altered images I see posted on this and other sites look pretty bad anyway.

I tend to agree with you, but we may be in the minority. If you look at a site like dpchallenge, you see a lot of what I would describe as over-photoshopped images winning ribbons, particularly in the landscape categories. Or maybe in all categories, except the ones that only allow basic editing. I'm not sure if people don't realize that the actual scene bore little resemblance to the final image, or just don't care.

In any event, it seems to me that there need to be rules regarding how much or how little editing is permissible in a contest. I honestly don't understand why it would be necessary in an exercise like this (which I believe the consensus seems to be should not be a contest).

Jeff-I love the pic of your dd, especially the final version. What a cutie she is!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

The truth of the matter is that we aren't all on an equal playing field. We are all at different skill levels- have different camera qualities and have different camera accessories (lens, filters, tripods) to use.

If I use a polorizing filter to take glare off of water or make the sky bluer - is that cheating? Is that not fair to someone who is has also posted a photo but has a point and shoot and not a dSRL?

I say lets just do this - tell each other what type of camera we are using, what lenses, accessories, techniques we have used - not to one up anyone, but simply as a tool to help each of us grow PERSONALLY.

This is a great point ... so long as we're all honest about how we came to the final product, it will be better for everyone AND it will help us all learn a little more about what goes into making the BEST photos.

 

[AndrewWG]

Ok, I started this and I hope to end it. Seems like most of us agree on the following:

1. No contest
2. Photoshopping allowed to whatever extent the photographer wants.
3. It would be nice to have before and after shots if it is photoshopped to show the differences to those who want to learn more about photoshop.
4. Lets get this thing going!

Is this about right?

Andy

 

[Gdad]

Ok, I started this and I hope to end it. Seems like most of us agree on the following:

1. No contest
2. Photoshopping allowed to whatever extent the photographer wants.
3. It would be nice to have before and after shots if it is photoshopped to show the differences to those who want to learn more about photoshop.
4. Lets get this thing going!

Is this about right?

Andy

You forgot the part about the 2 weeks / 1 fortnight...

 

[deletedpenguin]

I say lets just do this - tell each other what type of camera we are using, what lenses, accessories, techniques we have used - not to one up anyone, but simply as a tool to help each of us grow PERSONALLY.

There is no way my lil canon rebel XTI with my cheap Wolf camera brand 70-300mm lens could compete with someone who has a professional level canon with an L series lens. Fair? I don't care - I just wanna know what they did so maybe I can also do it - someday.

If life were "fair" I would have a bigger house, a fancier car and not be able to go to Disney every year.

Well said.

 

[DVC Jen]

Ok, I started this and I hope to end it. Seems like most of us agree on the following:

Andy

Don't be sorry - all you did was open everyone up for a discussion.

That is one of the things I LOVE about this particular forum - I RARELY see a thread turn really nasty - sure there is joking and some friendly banter and argueing of ponts - but out and out nastiness - i haven't personally seen it yet.

Let's get started - and thank goodness for the Fortnight who knows what is about to happen with my camera. Things could
get ugly there.

 

[AndrewWG]

You forgot the part about the 2 weeks / 1 fortnight...

Oops, you're right Gdad.

5. Open the assignments for a period of one fortnight, 2 weeks, 14 days or 336 hours, whichever you prefer.

Andy

 

[handicap18]

Just in case these 2 get seperated....

The original proposal:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1118955

 

[tinksdad]

If I use a polorizing filter to take glare off of water or make the sky bluer - is that cheating? Is that not fair to someone who is has also posted a photo but has a point and shoot and not a dSRL?

I say lets just do this - tell each other what type of camera we are using, what lenses, accessories, techniques we have used - not to one up anyone, but simply as a tool to help each of us grow PERSONALLY.

Great points!! It's a bit of a pain, but to include that kind of information along with basic EXIF stuff that may or maynot show up on photos as PART of the photo would be a powerful learning tool!!

 

[jann1033]

Well, lets stop talking about it and get started!!!

BTW, today's WTD comic was particularly timely.

i'm am quickly getting into the who gives a fig catagory...since handicap started it, can't we just go by what he says and if someone wants to do a photoshop thing( which someone did start a while back but i think me and maybe 2 others were the only ones who did it, it was a tot photo) can't we just start another thread...that 's not real expensive to do

 

[jann1033]

Seems like this is getting over thought out. Keep it simple! We already have a contest on the board, I don't think we need another one. The assignment gets posted, we all go shoot, process and then post up the results. If you photoshop, share the techniques you used, same with the photos you take. I'd like to see everyone who reads the photoboard get involved, from the p&s users to the dslr users. Just my .02

yep

 

[steery1]

I would love to learn some photoshop skills and think it would be great to see what can be done and have the photographer explain the procedure.

The tools are out there, why not take advantage of them.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Wow - who would've thought we could have a subject here on the Photography Board that gives the refillable mug and pool hopping debates over on the Resorts Board a run for their money!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly intimidated, but I'm here to learn and have fun, and learning Photoshop is on my list too so yes, let's get started!

Photo information would be very helpful. For those who may not realize it, Photobucket provides a link for EXIF data on photos, you can simply copy and paste it.

 

[Lizziejane]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly intimidated, but I'm here to learn and have fun, and learning Photoshop is on my list too so yes, let's get started!

QUOTE]

Count me in the intimidated group! I was already starting to panic over finding something "spring-y" to shoot - the thought of "curves", "lines", or "hot" shots totally freaks me out! At this point, I'm still lucky if a shot comes out that doesn't have a head missing, blown out sky or shadows so dark someone's face is missing! Curves?! OMG, I haven't a clue where to start with something like that.

Now it's time to remind myself, I"m here to learn. And if there's one thing I LOVE about this board is that no one get's on a high-horse and talks "down" to the beginners. Quite unlike every other photo board I've stumbled on.

So, when is this party starting?

 

[DVC Jen]

I was kinda hopin we would at least have a contest on photos with fantastic dust spots. I could at least win that one.